The Top 10 Most Beautiful Towns and Cities in the UK for Tourists

With so many amazing destinations, deciding where to visit in the UK can be overwhelming for first-time travellers. Whether you’re looking for bustling cosmopolitan cities or quaint historic towns tucked away in the countryside, the UK has something for everyone.

As UK natives, we are seasoned explorers of the towns and cities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, discovering some of the most picturesque and visitor-friendly places that deliver the quintessential UK experience. From world-famous locales to under-the-radar gems, here are our picks for the 10 most beautiful towns and cities in the UK that should top every tourist’s bucket list.

This guide takes into consideration must-see attractions, convenience, affordability, and of course – charm and character. We’ll count down our top recommendations filled with insider tips to help you plan an unforgettable UK getaway. Read on for inspiration for your next trip and discover the beauty that awaits in these ten stunning destinations.

The sections in this guide contain affiliate links which, at no extra cost to you, provide us with a small commission. All opinions expressed here are our own.

Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh tops our list as the most beautiful town or city for visitors to the UK. It’s striking backdrop of ancient castles perched upon volcanic crags makes it instantly recognisable. The compact Old Town is easy to explore on foot with major attractions like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile within close reach.

Edinburgh boasts an international airport making it accessible for global travelers. Regular trains also connect major UK hubs like London and Manchester. While not the cheapest city, it offers free attractions like galleries and museums as well as affordable food options. Top sights beyond the castle include Calton Hill, Holyrood Palace, and Edinburgh Zoo. Must-do activities include catching street performers on the Royal Mile, hiking to sublime views from Arthur’s Seat and indulging in haggis and whisky.

To view a list of accommodation options in Edinburgh, click here.

London

Few cities in the world can match London in terms of beauty, history, culture and iconic sightseeing. Visitors flock to admire landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye flanking the River Thames. With six international airports including Heathrow, London is incredibly easy to reach from overseas.

While an expensive city, many top museums and galleries are free to enter. Don’t miss Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, Covent Garden and East End markets. Go to a show in the West End theatre district, browse the stalls on Portobello Road, and get lost wandering through Hyde or St. James’s park. With endless attractions and diverse array of boroughs, London has something for every traveller.

To view a list of accommodation options in London, click here.

Bath

This picturesque Georgian-era spa town steeped in Roman history exudes elegance and beauty. Bath’s stone architecture and sweeping crescents have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Bath Spa train station connects directly to London and Bristol airports, making it fairly accessible for overseas visitors.

Tour the immaculately preserved Roman Baths, indulge at the Thermae Bath Spa, and admire grand mansions like the Royal Crescent. The pedestrianised town centre is easy to explore on foot. While compact, attractions like the Jane Austen Centre and Bath Abbey can fill several days. Afternoon tea at The Pump Room is a quintessential Bath experience.

While one of the pricier cities, visiting Bath on a budget is doable. The Roman Baths and Thermae Spa have hefty entry fees but walking tours and sights like the Royal Crescent are free.

To view a list of accommodation options in Bath, click here.

York

The walled city of York possesses a walker-friendly medieval heart brimming with quaint cobbled lanes and historic buildings like York Minster. Surrounded by ancient rammed earth walls, its’ atmospheric alleyways transport you back in time. As a major railway hub, York has easy connections from all over the UK.

Top attractions include the stunning Gothic York Minster, medieval Clifford’s Tower, the Jorvik Viking Centre, and the interactive Dig. For Harry Potter fans, stroll the Shambles that inspired Diagon Alley. Have tea at Betty’s Tea Room, see the sights by riverboat, and don’t miss the York Pass for savings on tickets and attractions.

York provides good value with many free museums and historic walks. Attractions like the Minster and Jorvik Viking Centre have steeper fees. Hotels and dining range from budget to costly. Overall, an affordable city for tourists on a budget.

To view a list of accommodation options in York, click here.

Oxford

Home to the world-famous university, Oxford wows visitors with it’s majestic colleges and sprawling quads. Grand architecture dating back to the 13th century have housed some of England’s greatest minds over the years. Direct trains from London Paddington make Oxford an easy day trip.

Be sure to see the iconic Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and Christ Church College’s Great Hall from the Harry Potter films. Punting on the river, browsing modern art at the Ashmolean Museum, and grabbing a pint at Eagle & Child pub are top activities. Oxford, like it’s counterpart university city Cambridge, can be expensive but entry to colleges is mostly free outside term time.

To view a list of accommodation options in Oxford, click here.

Chester

This charming walled city situated on the River Dee overflows with medieval atmosphere thanks to its unique “Rows” of half-timbered shops layered on two levels. Founded as a Roman fortress in the 1st century AD, Chester still retains much of its historic wall today. Its location puts it within easy reach of Manchester and Liverpool airports.

Must-see sights include the 700 year old cathedral, ancient city walls, Grosvenor Museum, and the unique Eastgate Clock. Shop for local wares at The Rows, cruise the river by boat, cheer on the races at Roodee Racecourse, and grab a pint at one of the Tudor-era pubs. For history buffs, Chester is a visual feast.

Chester offers a mix of free and paid attractions. As a smaller city, hotels and dining are priced lower than major hubs like London. Focus on the walkable centre, free walls and markets for a budget-friendly trip. The paid attractions like the zoo can be skipped.

To view a list of accommodation options in Chester, click here.

Cambridge

With the picturesque River Cam coursing through its historic center, Cambridge enchants visitors with it’s college grounds and endured academic legacy. The iconic King’s College Chapel and Trinity College highlight it’s 31 universities, some over 800 years old. Direct trains from London in under an hour make Cambridge very accessible.

Top experiences include punting on the river, touring the colossal Wren Library, catching Evensong in a college chapel, and browsing the stalls of Market Square. The Fitzwilliam Museum houses world-class art. As a university town, intellectually stimulating activities abound from talks to plays to concerts.

Cambridge has a reputation for higher prices from hotels to dining. That said, the city centre is walkable and colleges are mostly free outside term time.

To view a list of accommodation options in Cambridge, click here.

Canterbury

This cathedral city invokes images of Chaucer’s medieval tales and provides a window into English history. Canterbury’s crown jewel is the UNESCO listed Canterbury Cathedral, Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. High speed trains connect Canterbury to London St Pancras in under an hour.

Beyond the soaring cathedral, top sights include the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey and winding cobbled lanes that transport you back through time. Take a river punt ride, enjoy High Tea, and soak up street performances and bars on historic Burgate. For literary fans, Canterbury is a treasured gem.

Canterbury can be toured on a budget by focusing on the free attractions like the cathedral grounds and Westgate Gardens. However, the top medieval sites have entry fees that quickly add up. Accommodation and dining costs are average. With planning, it can be done relatively affordably.

To view a list of accommodation options in Canterbury, click here.

Belfast

Northern Ireland’s capital Belfast combines industrial grit, maritime history and cultural dynamism. Dramatic development in recent years have made it a top destination for insight into the country’s past and potential. Belfast International Airport offers easy access from the UK and Europe.

Must-sees are the extraordinary Titanic Belfast museum and the political murals of the Shankill and Falls areas. Explore the food and culture of the Cathedral Quarter, tour the imposing City Hall, and walk the Peace Lines dividing neighbourhoods. Rich with history and full of promise, Belfast deserves exploration.

Belfast is an affordable UK destination, especially for food, drink and accommodation. Many top attractions like the Peace Lines murals and Botanic Gardens are free. Tours and experiences like Black Taxi political tours offer good value but add up. Overall one of the most budget-friendly cities.

To view a list of accommodation options in Belfast, click here.

Liverpool

This historic port city on the river Mersey delivers an injection of culture, music, sport and dockside charm. Liverpool’s storied past as an industrial powerhouse left it with stunning Victorian architecture and maritime heritage. Liverpool John Lennon Airport offers direct access, while trains from London take a little over 2 hours.

Top stops include The Beatles Story Museum, Tate Liverpool gallery, and the iconic waterfront. See a show at the stunning Royal Liver Building, cheer on Liverpool FC, and ferry cross the Mersey for panoramic views. Vibrant nightlife through the Baltic Triangle and rhythm & soul permeate Liverpool.

While more affordable than London or Edinburgh, Liverpool’s prices are average for UK cities. Budget options exist for food, entertainment and accommodation but it’s not the cheapest destination. Museums and top attractions can get costly.

To view a list of accommodation options in Belfast, click here.

Wrapping Up

While we only highlighted ten breathtaking destinations, the UK is filled with picturesque towns and lively cities worth exploring. London and Edinburgh may top many travellers’ lists, but we hope shining a light on lesser known gems like Chester and Canterbury provides inspiration to venture beyond the famous hotspots.

Part of the wonder of travel in the UK is stumbling upon that perfect obscure village or strolling a city street where a favourite movie was filmed. Wherever your interests take you, let beauty and charm guide your journey. Forget busy itineraries and fully immerse yourself in these living snapshots of British history and culture. From bustling city centres to remote country havens, beauty awaits around every corner.